NE 6 th Street & Hwy 101 541-574-6847 • THENEWPORTCAFE.COM
Whale carcass spurs curiosity, questions
TONY REED
County Media, Inc.
Sometime overnight March 25/26, a 40-foot-long emaciated gray whale washed ashore just north of Driftwood Shores Resort in Florence, inciting a steady stream of curious visitors throughout the day.
Tours were conducted in June 2024 to educate community members about the plan to replace the two earthen dams at Newport’s Bog Creek reservoir. (Lincoln County Leader photo)
Long-term fix for Big Creek dams still undetermined
The city of Newport’s main water supply comes from the Big Creek Reservoirs, but over the years concerns have
Hundreds line Highway 101 at No Kings rallies
JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
Those opposing the Trump administration’s policies lined Highway 101 in Lincoln City and in Newport to demonstrate their concerns.
Many held signs during the Saturday afternoon, March 27 No Kings rallies, with simple statements: No War. No SAVE Act. Defend the Constitution, and Democracy Not Dictatorship.
Those attending the Lincoln City and Newport rallies join millions of others across Oregon and the nation in what organizers said was the largest
single-day protest in U.S. history. This was the third such No Kings Rally to be held this year.
“Rallies and peaceful protests make a difference on several levels. Each No Kings rally has been bigger than the last, with record-setting numbers of protestors,” said Donna Hill, See NO KINGS, page A6
People attending the Newport No Kings rally lined the Highway 101 in front of Newport City Hall. See more photos with this story at the Lincoln County Leader website. (Courtesy
Hatfield Marine Science Day returns
Oregon Parks and Recreation Beach Ranger Howard Crocket stationed himself at the site to make sure visitors remained safe around the carcass, as most snapped photos and touched its skin. Barnacles and scratches covered its ADRIENE KOETT-CRONN Lincoln County Leader Guest Article
Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport will host its annual science fair and open house Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hatfield Marine Science Day is a free, family-friendly event showcasing the diverse marine science and engineering research happening on the Hatfield campus. Exhibits and activities highlight how this work helps us understand the ocean and its impact on our lives and communities.
including displays on marine mammals, aquaculture, fisheries, seabirds, and sharks. Visitors can explore ocean engineering exhibits, touch tidepool creatures, examine plankton under microscopes, and climb aboard the R/V Kalipi, a 29’ aluminum vessel used in nearshore research.
The Hatfield Visitor Center will also be open and free throughout the day.
This year’s event features 40 hands-on marine science exhibits,
JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
A young visitor tries on AI goggles at an interactive exhibit at Hatfield Marine Science Day. (Courtesy photo from OSU)
A steady stream of visitors came to the beach near Florence March 26 to get a look at the whale. (Tony Reed / Country Media, Inc.)
See WHALE, page A4 See DAMS, page A6
Those attending the Lincoln City No Kings rally held signs and waved at passing drivers along both sides of Highway 101. See more photos with this story at the Lincoln Leader website. (Jeremy C. Ruark / Lincoln County Leader)
photo)
Thise attending the No Kings rallies in Lincoln City and Newport used simple statements on signs expressing their thoughts. See more photos with this story at the Lincoln County Leader website. (Jeremy C. Ruark / Lincoln County Leader)
Pregnant woman carrying 2-year-old struck by vehicle, husband stabbed, suspect arrested
The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) received reports of a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident at the Rockaway Beach Wayside in Rockaway Beach at approximately 1:11 p.m. March 22
Initial information indicated that a pregnant adult female, who was carrying her two-year-old daughter and walking with her husband, was struck by a silver Jeep Patriot in the parking area.
After the vehicle stopped, the husband confronted the driver regarding the accident. During that confrontation, a male passenger exited the vehicle and stabbed the husband in the back with a weapon. The suspect then reentered
The stabbing suspect is taken onto custody following a brief chase. (Courtesy photo from the TCSO)
the vehicle, and the vehicle fled the scene.
After traveling a few blocks away, the vehicle stopped and the female driver returned to the area
on foot, where she cooperated with TCSO deputies. During the investigation, deputies learned the suspect fled on foot and attempted to avoid
detection by changing his clothing. Through the quick response and coordinated efforts of TCSO deputies, Oregon State Police, and Manzanita Police Department, the suspect was located a short time later and taken into custody without further incident.
The pregnant female and her two-year-old son sustained injuries during the incident but are expected to be okay. The adult male victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a stab wound and is expected to recover.
The suspect, a 25-yearold adult male, was lodged at the Tillamook County Jail on the following charges: • Assault in the First
Degree • Menacing • Unlawful Use of a Weapon • Disorderly Conduct “This incident escalated quickly and had the potential to result in far more serious injuries,” TCSO Sheriff Josh Brown said. “I am proud of the swift response by our deputies and thankful for the assistance from the citizens who were present and helped provide information during the incident.”
This case has been forwarded to the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office for consideration.
The names of the individuals involved in the incident have not been release by the TCSO.
Firing handgun, standoff, leads to arrest
A Portland man faces criminal charges after Newport Police say shots were fired and a standoff occurred at a condo along Bay Bouleeward.
At approximately 2:24 a.m. March 21 Newport Police Department officers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 1000 SE Bay Boulevard to the report of an intoxicated male firing a handgun inside of his room.
The male, later identified as 44-year-old Johnson Rin, of Portland, had allegedly made threats towards family members who were staying with him in a condo,
then intentionally discharged a firearm inside the condo.
The family, including a young child, were able to flee the condo and call for help. Officers and Deputies quickly arrived and secured the scene.
Investigation revealed that Rin had fired a handgun two times within the condo, once into the ceiling where guests were sleeping in a neighboring room, and once into a closet door.
Officers spoke with Rin by phone and attempted to negotiate a peaceful surrender, Rin refused to comply and remained barricaded within his room.
The Lincoln County Interagency Tactical Response Team (TRT) responded to assist.
Guests from neighboring apartments were evacuated for their safety, while members of the Hostage Negotiator Team attempted to bring the event to a safe resolution.
During the incident
TRT used their heavy armored vehicle to shield officers and citizens and deployed multiple Noise Flash Diversionary Devices (NFDD or Flashbangs) in an attempt to gain compliance from Rin.
At around 8 a.m. Rin complied with commands
and surrendered to officers. Rin was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail.
A search warrant was executed in Rin’s room.
Officers located a 10mm Glock handgun, two spent shell casings, and two bullet holes.
Rin faces the following charges:
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon (firearm) x2
• Recklessly Endangering
Another Person x8
Menacing x3
The Newport Police Department was assisted on scene by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Fire Department, and Pacific West Ambulance.
The Lincoln County Interagency Tactical Response Team (TRT) is made up of members from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Toledo Police Department, and Newport Police Department.
The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Eshleman of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348
The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@ newportpolice.net.
Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow returns
The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the National Weather Service, is continuing the Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow.
The event a long-standing public education effort designed to help coastal residents and visitors understand tsunami risks and how to stay safe.
First launched in 2012 the Tsunami Roadshow brings subject-matter experts directly into coastal communities to share practical, lifesaving information about earthquake and tsunami preparedness.
Community members are invited to attend these free sessions featuring expert
presentations and actionable steps people can take before, during and after a tsunami or major earthquake event.
“You’ve heard about the Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake and tsunami risk—now is the time to learn what you can do to prepare,” OEM Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo, said. “These workshops are designed to give Oregonians practical information that can help save lives.”
What Attendees Will
Learn:
• How tsunamis impact the Oregon coast
• How to recognize natural tsunami warning signs
• Where evacuation zones are located How to plan evacuation
Upcoming Tsunami 101 Community Roadshow Events
Manzanita
3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday, March 31 Pine Grove: 225 Laneda Ave., Manzanita Tillamook
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 Tillamook Library: 1716 3rd St., Tillamook Newport
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2 Newport Library Community Room: 35 NW Nye St., Newport Lincoln City
routes and family communication plans
• How to build emergency kits and be prepared to be self-sufficient Participants will also hear directly from local and
6 - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2 Lincoln City Community Center: 2150 NE Oar Place, Lincoln City Gold Beach
5;30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 7 Curry County Fairgrounds: 29393 Ellensburg Ave., Gold Beach Coos Bay (Business Preparedness Session)
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8
state experts, including:
• Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI)
• National Weather Service Oregon Department of Emergency Management
Southwestern Oregon Community College: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay Coos Bay
6;30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 8
Southwestern Oregon Community College: 1988 Newmark Ave., Coos Bay Reedsport
6 p,m. - 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9
Lower Umpqua Senior Center: 460 Winchester Ave., Reedsport
(OEM)
• Local emergency management partners Prepare Before the Next Wave
As part of preparedness efforts, residents are encouraged to download the free NVS Tsunami Evacuation App, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play, which provides evacuation maps and preparedness information.
OEM also encourages everyone—especially those living or visiting coastal communities—to Be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning households should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days following a disaster.
Learn More
OEM encourages all Oregonians to Be 2 Weeks Ready, meaning households should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 14 days following a disaster. This includes having food, water, medications and a plan to stay connected with family members.
Learn how to build your emergency kit and make a plan on the OEM website.
Lincoln City Kiwanis Club annual Easter Egg Hunt April 4
JEREMY C. RUARK
Lincoln County Leader
Roger Robertson has been the master of ceremonies for the Lincoln City Kiwanis Club annual Easter Egg Hunts for about 52 years, on and off.
“I love kids,” Robertson said, adding that the annual hunt is really a family affair, bringing together children, parents and grandparents.
The 2026 Easter Egg Hunt is set for 12 p.m.
Saturday, April 4, at Lincoln City’s Discovery Park on 51st Street in the Taft neighborhood.
Each spring, Kiwanis members and others volunteer time a few days before the annual hunt to fill hundreds of plastic eggs and baskets with small candies and trinkets for the children to discover. The eggs and baskets are carefully spread out over a portion of the grass at Discovery Park a few hours before the event.
Moments before noon, Robertson stands before the line of children that forms in front of the grass where the eggs have been placed to give the count down to the hunt:
“Three, Tow, One, Go!”
At that moment, the children scamper across the grass in search of the eggs.
“It’s all over in just a couple of minutes,” Robertson said. “The kids just love it. We get hundreds of children that show up. It’s so much fun!”
Robertson encourages parents and grandparents to “stay back.”
“Let the kids pick up the Easter eggs,” he said.
The funding for the for the hunt comes from
Siletz Clinic now accepting new patients
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians announce that Dan’ChaaMayYvlh SriiDvn, which translates to the North Doctor Place, is now open to all residents and is accepting new patients for medical and behavioral health services.
The clinic opened its doors in September 2025, bringing highquality, personcentered care directly to the Oregon Coast. Dedicated to offering broad community access, the facility offers comprehensive billing options including Medicare, Medicaid, and most major private insurance.
North Doctor Place was established to reduce the long travel times that many families faced when vaccessing care in Siletz. By situating services in Lincoln City, the clinic makes it easier for residents throughout the county both tribal and nontribal, to seek timely and reliable healthcare.
“Bringing care closer to where our people live and work” was the guiding goal behind the project, according to Tribal leadership.
North Doctor Place is modeled on the Siletz Community Health Clinic’s commitment to highquality, personcentered care, emphasizing respect, dignity, and individualized treatment. Patientsbreceive integrated support for physical, behavioral and recovery needs, ensuring a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
The clinic provides a wide range of services that are built for the health and well-being of our patients. Some of these services include primary care, general medicine, preventative and chronic care as well as management. The clinic also offers behavioral health services, including assessments, outpatient counseling, and MedicationAssisted Treatment (MAT) for alcohol and drug use up to ASAM Level 2 1. Dental services are scheduled to be added as staffing continues to expand. Community members may receive care at the clinic and will be responsible for insurancebased costs according to SCHC policy. To become a patient at the clinic you can find them at 1831 SW
Highway 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367
North Place Doctor is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30–1 p.m.), and Wednesday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Patients already registered with the Siletz Community Health Clinic do not need to reregister. New patients can begin care by completing a brief registration packet through North Doctor Place. The opening of North
Doctor Place marks a significant milestone for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the broader coastal community. By offering wide patient access and a comprehensive range of services, the clinic stands as a testament to the Siletz Tribe’s ongoing commitment to community health, accessibility and culturally centered care.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 5414448341
fundraisers held over four or five weeks before the hunt at the Lincoln City Grocery Outlet.
“The Kiwanis members spend time at Grocery Outlet collecting donations from community members.” Robertson said.
“Hundreds of dollars come it that way.”
Robertson credits Sharyn Jasmer, the chair
Patients already registered with the Siletz Community Health Clinic do not need to re-register. New patients can begin care by completing a registration packet. Courtesy graphic)
of the Kiwanis Club Easter Egg Hunt for a well-organized event.
The egg hunt includes other family activities, such as face painting and
photos with the Easter Bunny.
Robertson said the annual event is important for the Lincoln City Kiwanis Club.
“It means the ultimate dream is continuing and that’s to take care of the needs of all children of all ages all over the world,” he said.
According to Robertson, the annual event compliments the Easter holiday. “It comes back to family. It comes back to the community,” he said. “Community and families are the real foreground of the Easter season.”
Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt
April 4 • 12 p.m.
Discovery Park SE 51st St., Taft
A parent takes a moment with her child following the 2025 Easter egg Hunt at Discovery Park. (Jeremy C. Ruark / Lincoln County Leader)
A child scampers across the grass during the 2025 Easter Egg Hunt in Lincoln City. (Jeremy C. Ruark / Lincoln County Leader)
From Page A1
The lineup of special events includes the return of the mini Big Blue Film Festival, featuring a selection of short films that celebrate the marine world. This event is from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the Carem Ford Phillips Auditorium in the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Danny Pimentel of the University of Oregon. He will share his work on artificial ocean intelligence and virtual experiences that allow people to interact with marine ecosystems and wildlife as responsive,
skin, and only a red, 8-inch gash could be found on its right fluke.
A later report from State Parks estimated the whale to be 1-4 years old and emaciated.
Jim Rice, a researcher at Hatfield Marine Science Center, who also heads the marine mammal stranding program, examined the carcass and performed a necropsy.
conversational beings. The keynote will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. in the Carem Ford Phillips Auditorium. Due to popular demand,
behind-the-scenes tours have been expanded and will run throughout the day:
• Seawater Tour | 10:30
a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. | 1 hour, 15 people per tour
• Yaquina Estuary Trail Tour | 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. | 1 hour, 20 people per tour
• Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Tour | 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. | 45 min., 20 people per tour
• Coastal Monitoring Station Tour | 11 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. | 1 hour, 20 people per tour
• Marine Operations
By 5 p.m. that day, he said he had not conclusively determined a cause of death.
“I can tell you the wheel was emaciated, and there have been a number of emaciated gray whales showing up on the West Coast recently,” he said.
WHAT TO DO WITH IT
At the scene that morning, Crocket was unsure what would happen to the carcass.
He said that while he’d like to see it just left for
Tour | 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. | 1 hour, 20 people per tour
• Aquaculture Tour | 11:30 am and 1 p.m. | 1 hour, 20 people per tour
All tours are free, with first-come, first-served tickets available at the Welcome area of the courtyard.
The Hatfield Marine Science Center is located at 2030 SE Marine Science Drive in Newport. About OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center
The Center is a research and teaching facility located in Newport, Ore., on the Yaquina Bay
nature to run its course, the popular location near a beachside hotel may dictate otherwise.
The answer to that question arrived that afternoon.
estuary, about one mile from the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. It plays an integral role in marine and estuarine research and instruction programs, as a laboratory serving resident scientists, as a base for far-ranging oceanographic studies and as a classroom for students. In addition to Oregon State researchers and students, its campus includes research activities and facilities from six state and federal agencies.
Adriene Koett-Cronn may be reached at Adriene.koett-cronn@oregonstate.edu
“The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians have expressed interest in harvesting the whale,” said Oregon State Parks information officer Mike Baden. “The nearest snowy plover nesting closure is north of the area at Baker Beach, and current activity does not affect protected habitat.”
In a manner similar to what occurred north of Yachats last November, many volunteers arrived in protective clothing to dice the carcass into smaller chunks. Baden noted that marine mammals, alive or deceased, are protected under federal law, and approaching or touching them is prohibited.
JURISDICTION
According to the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding network website, Most carcasses remain on site to decay naturally and provide food for scavenging birds, etc.
“We receive reports of hundreds of dead marine mammals each year, and while we value each report as an important data point, we only have the time and resources to collect and necropsy a portion of those animals that are freshly dead,” the website states. “The Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation is the agency responsible for the maintenance of the ocean shore.”
Those concerned about a marine mammal carcass may request that a ranger bury it. On the central Oregon Coast, the number is 541-563-8500
MIGRATION
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates 13,000 gray whales are expected to migrate past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as they travel back toward Alaska, far fewer than earlier projections suggested. Although NOAA declared the Unusual Mortality Event over in 2023 and initially believed the population might be rebounding, new winter 2025 estimates instead show the lowest numbers since the 1970s. NOAA’s models, which combine visual surveys with migration pattern assumptions, indicate that the 2025 population most likely falls between 11,700 and 14,500 whales.
To report a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal in the West Coast Region, call the Stranding Hotline at 1-866-767-6114
Tony Reed is the editor of the The Siuslaw News.
A harbor seal swims in a kelp forest off the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
Aquarist Jaimie Hart shows a young visitor red kelp from one of the many large tanks in the aquatic animal health area at Hatfield. (Courtesy photo from OSU)
By the end of the day, people from The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians had reduced most of the whale carcass to smaller sections. (Courtesy photo from Oregon State Parks)
From Page A1
Graduate student Reilly Boyt from the Big Fish Lab answers visitors’ questions about a small shark on display. (Courtesy photos from OSU)
Jeremy Ruark, Opinion Page Editor
Why is big money once again flexing its muscles in Oregon ballot measures?
DOUGLAS
BERG Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon private equity
executive John von Schlegell recently filed a barrage of ballot measures designed to imprint his pro-sprawl, anti-tax agenda permanently into the Oregon constitution.
His eleven ballot measures run the gamut from taxes to growth boundaries, from education to permitting, from campaign finance to criminal justice.
This action represents an attack on representative democracy in Oregon unrivaled since the days of the Bill Sizemore ballot measure wars.
Ballot measure activity had calmed down considerably over the last decade. Why is big money once again flexing its muscles?
It wasn’t long ago the ultra-wealthy kept a relatively low profile, limiting their overtly partisan political activity while concentrating on making themselves ever richer.
All that changed with Donald Trump’s 2024 election.
Manifesto. Bloomberg reported multiple news outlets savaged the piece, calling it everything from a “hallucination of a manifesto” to “unhinged”. California billionaires are getting together to form a huge fund that would operate as an endowment and allow them to influence the state’s politics for years to come in ways never seen before.
he likely takes advantage of the “carried interest” tax break that allows a large part of his income to get tax-favored treatment as capital gains.
But this clearly has not muted his hatred of taxes, and the perpetual state of chaos and uncertainty this petition would create is apparently of no concern to him.
The broligarchy has come for Oregon. The November election will give Oregonians a chance to decide if they’re OK with that.
Jeff Bezos used to be the likeably goofy but brilliant entrepreneur who brought us Amazon. Now we know him as the guy who killed the Washington Post as a credible news organization to curry favor with Trump.
Last year, Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, and his family bought Paramount, the parent company of CBS. They promptly installed a right-wing influencer as head of CBS news. She has already spiked a 60 Minutes segment that was ready to
In one short year, we’ve witnessed wealthy conservatives unapologetically inject themselves into the political arena and begin using their massive resources and influence to advance right wing causes in ways that were once unthinkable.
air. The Ellisons now are set to acquire CNN as they prepare to take over Warner. Pete Hegseth can’t wait.
Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal, felt it necessary to expound his wacko views in no fewer than five different talks that people actually paid to hear, on everything from the antichrist and Armageddon, to politics, economics, history, and more, all presented with the tone that he has it all figured out and deigns to share it with us proletariat.
Marc Andreessen, venture capital billionaire, even put his manic ravings in writing, The Techno-Optimist
John von Schlegell has a lot in common with these people: Massive resources, a new willingness to wield them to achieve his purposes and a level of self-absorption that allows him to think he knows what is best for Oregon. Why waste time talking to his lawmakers when he already has the solutions, his eleven commandments (one more than God gave us, of course)?
Here are some of von Schlegell’s offerings.
Petition 60 would establish a 10-year sunset on all state taxes and fees. Nobody hates taxes more than the ultra-wealthy, even though they pay a lower tax rate than the rest of us due to tax schemes available only to them. In von Schlegell’s case, as a principal in a private equity company,
Petition 66 would abolish Oregon’s estate tax. Always the go-to for the ultra-rich because they are never more enraged than when they must pay a tax that most of us don’t pay.
Petition 61 would add all urban reserves into cities’ urban growth boundaries. Overnight, larger metro areas would see land within their urban growth boundaries increase by thousands of acres, blowing up decades of growth planning and setting off a huge sprawl in these areas.
Petitions 62 and 65 would apply federal campaign contribution limits to state and local races and ban corporations and unions from donating to candidates. These measures take an ax to the campaign finance compromise that was finally reached among special interests and passed by the legislature in 2024
Douglas Berg moved to Oregon in 2008 after a long career in information technology. He soon became interested in Oregon issues such as ballot measures, taxation and the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System. His opinion pieces and letters have appeared in The Oregonian/ OregonLive, the legacy Eugene Register-Guard, and Lookout EugeneSpringfield. He has testified before the PERS Board and the Oregon Investment Council. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/03/24/ why-is-big-money-onceagain-flexing-its-musclesin-oregon-ballot-measures/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
5 ways music can reduce springtime burnout for youth in school
TESSA JESUS Lincoln County Leader Guest Column
As the school year enters its midway point, many children begin to feel the weight of academic demands, social pressures and extracurricular commitments.
Mid-year stress differs from the typical beginning-of-year excitement or end-of-year exhaustion.
These months bring heavier workloads with state testing, daylight savings, exams and fewer breaks, leading many students to experience stress and even burnout. As a parent, recognizing the
signs and taking proactive steps can help your child navigate this season. Adding more music to your routine can be one unique way to provide some support and relief. Recognizing the signs of stress and burnout are vital to finding the appropriate help for your child. Here are a few indicators to look for:
• Increased irritability or frustration when discussing school Loss of interest in activities or spending more time online
• Withdrawal from family and friends
Difficulty concentrating
• Physical symptoms such as headaches,
stomach pain or changes in eating habits
• General sense of hopelessness or reluctance to engage in school
Add music into the daily routine
As you help your child establish a structured routine for their day, intentionally incorporating background music into daily tasks can make them more enjoyable and provide an extra layer of organization.
Here are some ways to sprinkle in music to support your child through their springtime stressors: Instrumental music during homework time can help them stay on
task and focused. Calming music before bed can help them wind down, relax and fall asleep.
• Use music as a timer while they brush their teeth or do chores.
• For younger children, pick a song as the “time-to-go-to-school” cue and choose another song for other challenging transitions.
• In the morning, instead of a regular alarm, use a favorite song to help them start the day with a positive attitude. Using music to relieve educational stressors
If your child is struggling with a particular subject in school, there may be
a fun, musical way to help them study. Adding music can help them stay engaged through fun and play, especially when they feel burned out.
For younger children practicing spelling words, set their words to common melodies. For example, sing spelling words to the tune of popular songs.
Find educational songs that teach math times tables in a fun, memorable way.
Encourage older youth to rewrite the lyrics of one of their favorite songs using the science or history facts they need to memorize for an upcoming test.
If your child needs immediate support, reach out to:
• National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
About Youth Villages In Oregon, Youth Villages serves more than 750 youths and families each year through its community-based programs, operating out of offices in Portland, Salem, Bend and Tillamook. Learn more at www.youthvillages.org.
Tessa Jesus is the Youth Villages music integration manager.
In 1998, Oregon voters essentially voted against an attempt to make it more difficult to get ballot measures approved. (Lynne Terry / Oregon Capital Chronicle)
heighten about the safety of the reservoir’s two dams.
“The dams have been deemed potentially unsafe by the state dam engineer,” City of Newport Communications Officer John Fuller said. “The most critical issue is seepage in the upper dam spillway, and we are working to address that in what may be a much longer-term fix.”
According to city records, the lower dam (Dam #1) was built in 1951, and holds approximately 56 million gallons of water. The upper dam (Dam #2) was built in 1969 and holds approximately 270 million gallons of water. Both dams are earthen, not concrete, and were created by packing layers of soil and gravel. The practice was common in the 50s, prior to engineering studies that exposed seismic weaknesses in the designs.
BACKGROUND
“They were built to standard, there’s nothing wrong with the way they were built, but the foundational soils that are underneath them, that’s the problem. They’re unsteady at this point,
NO KINGS
From Page A1
with Indivisible Waves, one of the local rally organizations.
Hill said the rallies send “a clear message” that there is opposition to the Trump administration’s policies that hurt the American people, subvert the Constitution, and alienate America’s allies.
“It signals elected officials that there will be political consequences for their choices,” Hill said.” When people turn out across the nation, from thousands in the big cities, to dozens in the rural areas,
In May of 2023, Newport’s two dams on its Big Creek Reservoir were rated as the highest hazard dams in the state of Oregon, according to the city’s emergency preparedness coordinator. Signs were placed along roads that access Big Creek in an effort to raise awareness among residents and visitors. (Lincoln County Leader photo)
should we have some type of seismic event,” Big Creek Dam Project Community Outreach
Director Renee Morris said in a Lincoln County Leader published report in June 2024 In 2019 seepage was discovered that could cause the upper dam to fail even without an earthquake occurring.
“The bottom line is that this seepage problem could grow to the point where it causes the upper dam to fail, and the rush of water from that breach would most likely take out the lower dam as well,” Morris said. Construction of a single replacement dam will create a larger storage capacity, which would also decrease the need to pull water from the Siletz
River during the summer to replenish the current reservoir, according to Morris.
“So being able to store more water, collect more in the watershed as well as be able to take less off the Siletz in those times, will help improve the ecology all the way around and also have the larger capacity to store for future needs,” Morris said.
“The new dam would be higher than the existing dams and hold the volumes currently stored in the lower and upper reservoirs,” a 2023 city report stated. “The additional storage would address future water supply needs for the community. The current lower reservoir would be reduced or removed to
Our goal is to demonstrate the power when people come together in an organized, non-violent, pro-democracy, pro-worker movement to stand against attacks on our rights and attempts at authoritarianism.”
— Donna Hill, Invisible Waves
there is an inspirational and celebratory sense of comradery. It encourages people to ask questions and join the movement. It tells those who are isolated in a sea of red that they are not alone, that it is ok to think differently than their neighbors”.
Hill added that the overall message of the rallies is that “these are not normal times.”
“Our constitutional democracy is under attack, with an overreaching Executive Branch that is not being reined in by either Congress or the Supreme Court,” Hill said. “People are being denied due process. There is militarized occupation of our cities. The Trump administration has targeted major US law firms, higher education, and the free press.
Linda Jean Gast
October 24, 1951 – March 16, 2026
A little bit of light left this world when Linda passed on March 16, 2026. She was born in St. Joseph, Michigan to Harry and Jean (Warren) Gast. She grew up on the family farm with her brother Dennis and sister Barbara graduating from Lakeshore High School and Michigan State University. She and a couple of friends took a semester off during college and spent 4 months backpacking around Europe, spending her 20th birthday inside the Arctic Circle.
After graduating, Linda worked as a VISTA volunteer in Cincinnati, Ohio with the Urban Appalachian Council. When her stint with VISTA was over, Linda moved to Portland following several of her high school friends who were in the area. While working with low-income community and neighborhood programs during the day, she spent her evenings at Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College in Portland, graduating in 1986.
Linda clerked for Lincoln County Judges prior to beginning her real career with Lincoln County Legal Aid. Linda helped form and sustain the Legal Aid office by fundraising (including a legendary performance at the Campaign for Equal Justice comedy fundraiser LAF-OFF), as well as recruiting and mentoring attorneys, both volunteer and staff to help pursue her mission of equal justice for all, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Linda got great satisfaction working with her clients, presenting their cases in court and working out their legal issues. She actively worked on improving access and outcomes during moments of crisis or systems failing to function as expected. Linda helped provide knowledge with humility to interns, coworkers, volunteers while working on strengthening support systems within our community. Linda participated in multiple boards and organizations providing her unique insights from years supporting the vulnerable populations.
address safety concerns, and the existing upper dam would be lowered, overtopped by water, and incorporated into the new area of the upper reservoir.”
In 2025, the Newport City Council considered replacing the dams with a much stronger concrete dam.
“The roller-compacted concrete dam option was presented to our city council at 30% design. The estimated cost of completing that project and design was $185 million,” Fuller said.” That is just not a feasible price for a city of our size.”
NEXT STEPS
The city has received and is reviewing a consultant’s report that outlines more financially feasible options and also provides seismic resiliency to protect the city’s water supply for the long-term, according to Fuller, who added that the city council will need to determine what the best alternatives are and then determine what the costs for those alternatives would be.
“Depending on the costs, and the number of options, we would certainly try not to pass that on to the community,” Fuller said, adding that all funding options are on the table.
It has ravaged our government agencies and foundational structure by eliminating experienced, competent federal employees and replacing them with unqualified loyalists. Trump is using the agency of our country for his own agenda and is not acting in the best interests of the American people. Our goal is to demonstrate the power when people come together in an organized, non-violent, pro-democracy, pro-worker movement to stand against attacks on our rights and attempts at authoritarianism.”
RALLIES ACROSS OREGON
She established a working relationship between the Lincoln County Legal Aid Office and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz. This included representing tribal members, establishing grants and assisting with writing procedural rules for use within Tribal Court.
Linda worked at Legal Aid for over thirty years, retiring on October 31, 2017, but continued to volunteer with the office. In 2019 she received the Oregon State Bar’s President’s Public Service Award for her time with Legal Aid. Linda’s accomplishments, interests, and awards are interminable, but her commitment to justice can be summarized by saying that Linda touched more lives than can be measured through her willingness to be present and supportive without judgment.
In her spare time Linda and her French horn were a member of the Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble and played in the pit orchestra for several local musicals. She also enjoyed exploring the Oregon coast with visiting friends and family.
Linda took great pleasure being an aunt to her brother’s nine children (Chris, Kelly, Lisa, Nick, Tom, Skip, Becca, Jenna and Lilli) and they were a big help to her the last few years. And a special thanks to Becca’s husband Marvin who came out to Oregon several times to help Linda and her friend Kathe Drier-Thurber who stopped by often.
Linda is survived by her sister, Barbara Curtis of Midland, Michigan and her brother, Dennis Gast of St. Joseph, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents and her partner Newport fishman Robert Pillman.
Linda has been cremated as she wished. There will be a memorial held in Newport and a gathering at the family farm this coming summer. Please consider a donation to The Campaign for Equal Justice in Linda’s honor.
“We’ll have to certainly evaluate that,” he said.
“Right now, federal and state funding mechanisms, especially related to grants, have dried up over the last couple of years, so the city and those across the county, have had to become more creative in how they are funding projects. That may change again in a year or two as the alternatives are explored at a deeper level. Right now, it is tough to say what is the financial method that could pay for the longterm dam solution.”
On March 2 of this year, the Newport City Council adopted an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the City of Newport for Big Creek Dam #2 spillway improvements.
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) has directed the city, through annual dam safety inspections, to correct deficiencies associated with the Big Creek Dam No. 2 spillway and the 30-inch underdrain conduit. In 2025, Jacobs Engineering completed an alternatives analysis that evaluated feasible corrective actions and identified a preferred approach.
The city is now entering the design phase for
and Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, both Democrats, spoke to the crowd gathered in Salem.
“I never thought in a million years we would have an authoritarian this close to turning us into an enduring strongman state,” Merkley said.
The Salem crowd included nearly 20 members of the Bennette family, many of whom walked almost three miles from Lancaster Drive NE to the Capitol Mall to make their voices heard.
An estimated 30,000 people — down from the 40,000 who turned out in Portland for the second No Kings protest in October — were in the Tom McCall park along the Willamette River. Satellite protests on street corners and a morning event with labor leaders and Gov. Tina Kotek also drew attendees, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley
“It’s really turned into a family affair,” Wende Bennette-Kirkland said. “We need to end the policing of our First Amendment rights, and we also need to fight for equality for all of our neighbors.”
Bennette-Kirkland toted a sign calling to end Citizens United, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for more political spending, while sister Elizabeth carried a sign depicting a pig styled to look like Trump.
Cameron and Annmarie Jones were registered Republicans until 2015, when they left the party over Trump. Now, they’ve been to more than 10 protests since Trump’s return to office, including Saturday’s No Kings event in Salem.
“In 2015, my party elected Donald Trump in their primary as the Republican candidate, and I
the spillway improvements, with design work scheduled to begin in March. OWRD has allocated funding for this work through its dam safety program, and Intergovernmental Agreement WRD 26-019 is required for the City to access these funds, according to city records. “The city has already expended approximately $70 000 for the alternatives analysis completed in 2025,” the city records state. “The spillway design effort beginning in 2026 is estimated at approximately $202,000 Intergovernmental Agreement WRD 26-019 provides cost-sharing that will allow the city to recover a portion of these costs based on the funding split previously confirmed by OWRD ($81,610 75 federal / $43,944 25 non-federal match). Execution of this agreement will offset a significant share of the design expenses.”
Fuller said the Newport City Council plans to discuss the latest consultant’s report at its April 8 public session.
See previous coverage and follow new developments online at the Lincoln County Leader website and in the Wednesday print editions of the Leader.
said, ‘There’s no way I can be in a party that would bring that clown as their representative,’” Cameron Jones said. “I think we need to do everything as citizens to lawfully resist all the horrible things he’s doing.”
An estimated 4,000 people joined a No Kings protest Saturday in downtown Corvallis, according to local organizers. Demonstrators there listened to a musical performance from the newly formed Corvallis Resistance Singers and participated in a parade that included a marching band and a giant puppet of President Donald Trump in handcuffs.
“It’s important now more than ever to continue resisting and to continue fighting for human rights,” Benton County resident Konnie May said. “It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the intensity and craziness of everything that happens day after day, week after week.” In Cannon Beach, the northwest coastal city of about 1,500 known for its sandy beach and Haystack Rock, a crowd including a person in an inflatable axolotl costume gathered to protest.
Read the full Capital Chronicle story here: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/03/28/ oregonians-take-to-streetsto-protest-trump-as-partof-third-no-kings-day-ofrallies/
August 22, 1932 - February 23, 2026
Lloyd Dewayne Brown passed at his home in Depoe Bay on February 23, 2026, at age 93, after an extended illness.
He was born in Enterprise, PA on August 22, 1932 to Elmer and Ruth Brown.
Lloyd was brilliant with everything mechanical. Over the years he was a diesel mechanic for UPS, International Harvester, Silver Eagle Trucking, and Cummins. He thoroughly enjoyed fixing things and working on his collection of vehicles.
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union.
He loved hunting, fishing, pool, cribbage, solitaire, western movies (especially with John Wayne and James Arness), and drinking his favorite whiskey with friends.
Lloyd was loyal to his friends and his country and he loved to make people smile.
He is survived by his daughters Virginia
and
He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean war for three years. He was awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in action and five Bronze Stars.
Lloyd was a proud member of the Masons, Eagles, Elks, and International
siblings
and
and
Sudoku answers
Bates-Huling
Angelina Ziegle;
Larry Brown, James Brown,
Shirley Cann;
grandsons Shane Brown and Shawn Bates. He was preceded in death by siblings Nadine, Chuck, and Christine and grandson Donovan Bates.
Lloyd Dewayne Brown
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the Japanese Beetle “rates very high on our list,” Benemann said.
Japanese beetles were first spotted in a plant nursery in New Jersey in 1916. Since then, they’ve made their way across much of the U.S., but it took about 100 years for them to show up in large numbers in Oregon.
“It wasn’t until 2016 when we started finding numbers in the hundreds, and then we decided: We have a problem,” Benemann said. “In 2017 we found our largest population number to date, which is really what triggered and brought to the attention the need for the agency to establish the program as we know it
today.”
That year, the agency captured more than 23,000 beetles. Since then, the number has declined 92%.
Last year, fewer than 2 000 beetles were captured, and most were on a single Washington County blueberry farm that the agency has been monitoring and spraying with an insecticide for several years.
Large infestations have been found mostly in Multnomah and Washington counties, with smaller populations found in Marion and Union counties. The beetles have not found their way across much of Oregon east of the Cascades, though Benemann said there are significant populations in Boise, Idaho, meaning they can thrive in arid climates.
An economic risk analysis produced by state agricultural officials in 2017, after large numbers of the beetles were discovered, projected financial losses of more than $45 million if the state did nothing and let the beetles spread and become established.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/briefs/ money-to-continue-battle-with-beetle-tucked-into-bill-balancing-oregons-budget/
Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
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support local services.
The term “O&C” originates from federal land grants made between 1866 and 1870 to the Oregon and California Railroad Company to support construction of a rail line from Portland to the Ashland, Oregon. After the railroad failed to meet the terms of the grant, the checkerboard-patterned lands were later revested to the federal government and became known as the O&C timberlands.
Members of AOCC advocate for sustained yield management of O&C timberlands, as required by federal law under the 1937 O&C Act, to protect and support jobs, local economies,
county services, and healthy timberlands.
The 1937 O&C Act is widely regarded as the first Congressional Conservation Act and was enacted to solely regulate the management of the Federal timber resources in western Oregon.
AOCC, now more than a century old, represents the unique O&C timberlands in 18 western Oregon counties that host the O&C timberlands managed by BLM.
The O&C Act signaled an end to the cut-and-run policies in the early years of the 20th century. By requiring management under the principle of Sustained Yield, timber harvest cannot outpace the annual growth of the forest, resulting in a perpetual supply of timber while concurrently providing
quality habitat for wildlife, watershed protection, and recreational opportunities for the public. Freeman gathered with fellow AOCC board members, comprised of county commissioners representing member counties for the quarterly AOCC meeting at Starfire Lumber in Cottage Grove in mid-March.
The meeting featured special guest, Kim Prill, Acting State Director for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Oregon/Washington, as well as a tour of the new Starfire Lumber timber-built administration building, along with the log yard, planning facilities, and longtime thriving lumber mill.
For more information about AOCC click here: http://www.oandc.org/.
BUSINESS
Federal actions signal new era for O&C Timberlands
JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
The quarterly meeting of the Association of O&C Counties (AOCC) held in Cottage Grove follows significant federal actions regarding O&C timberlands.
• In January, U.S. Congress passed the FY26 Interior Appropriations Bill, which corrects revisions made four decades ago and returns O&C counties to their historic share of timber receipts from federally managed O&C timberlands. This ‘Act of Congress’ is expected to increase annual O&C shared timber receipts revenue to O&C counties by approximately 50 percent.
• In February, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) issued a “Notice of Intent” to initiate the development of a revised Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Resource Management Plan (RMP) governing the 2 5 million acres of O&C timberlands (Oregon and California Revested Grant Lands) in western Oregon.
• In March, the BLM invited Douglas County to be a cooperating agency for the upcoming revision to the
Resource Management Plan which governs O&C timberlands. Douglas County has historically been invited to be a cooperating agency. In fact, Douglas County was the first county to be granted cooperating agency status by the BLM for the revision process. Additionally, in its role as a cooperating agency, AOCC will represent its member counties. The first RMP revision cooperators meeting took place on Wednesday, March
18 2026
The discussion of these major federal actions at the quarterly AOCC meeting alongside the attendance of the new Acting State Director for the BLM marks an important milestone for AOCC. It reflects ongoing efforts to increase timber receipts, strengthens collaboration with the BLM, and advances a more balanced and reasonable management plan for the O&C timberlands, according to a release from the
AOCC.
“These three actions are some of the most exciting achievements the Association of O&C Counties has had in many decades,” AOCC President and Douglas County Commissioner Tim Freeman said. “For the last ten years, working with the Board of Directors of the AOCC and our amazing staff, with these series of actions we have accomplished the opportunity for a solution that will save
the western Oregon O&C counties facing insolvency. At the same time, recovering the local economy, creating family wage jobs, and putting Douglas County and the other O&C Counties back in the position of being the ‘Timber Capital’ of the world!”
The additional revenue created by these federal actions could not come at a more critical time for counties as they face continuing strains on their budgets with inflation, rising costs, and the reduction of other revenue streams,” the release states, according to the release.
“These actions will help all of the 18 O&C counties to maintain the critical services they provide day in and day out for their residents,” the release states.
BACKGROUND
Lincoln County is one of the 18 member counties in Western Oregon that make up the AOCC, which represents counties containing federal O&C timberlands. These lands are managed for sustained yield, and the county receives a share of revenue from timber sales to
Money to continue battle with beetle approved
ALEX BAUMHARDT
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon farmers for years have been battling an invasive beetle that “will nibble pretty much on anything that’s green,” said Chris Benemann, director of plant protection at the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
But state lawmakers didn’t send aid when the agency’s long-standing program to eradicate the Japanese beetle ran out of money last year, surprising specialty crop, grass seed and nursery farmers growing products most tantalizing to the bugs.
After an outcry from farm and nursery groups who warned tens of millions of dollars in crop value could be lost, lawmakers in the most recent legislative session slipped $1 8 million for two years of program funding into a bill meant to balance the state’s budget.
Gov. Tina Kotek had yet to sign the bill, as of March 27
wine grapes, and the grubs eat the roots of plants including turf grasses and hops.
Without the funding and the program, state agriculture officials warned lawmakers last fall that crops coming from Oregon would no longer be certified as from a “Japanese beetle-free area.”
The agency spent the past several months working with Western states to help “facilitate the movement” of Oregon plant products with as little potential for beetle travel as possible, officials said in a statement, but California’s Department of Food and Agriculture revoked Oregon’s pest-free status and imposed new restrictions on products coming from Oregon.
The renewed investment should help growers return to “beetle-free” status.
Of the litany of creatures targeting Oregon’s crops that agricultural officials deal with,
Oregon Bank acquiring Connect Community Bank
Oregon Coast Bank (OCB) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Connect Community Bank.
The acquired branches, located in Raymond and Long Beach, Washington, will extend Oregon Coast Bank’s footprint to the Southwest Washington coast and add approximately $70 million in assets, including $60 million in loans, according to a release.
“At Oregon Coast Bank, our mission has always been to provide common sense, relationship driven banking focused on the unique needs of our coastal communities,” Oregon Coast Bank CEO Lance Nunn said. “Bringing Raymond and Long Beach into the Oregon Coast Bank family is a strategic step that reinforces our longterm independence and strengthens our ability to support the coastal
people, businesses, and communities we were founded to serve.”
“As we considered the future of Connect Community Bank, our priority was finding a partner that not only shared our values, culture, and deep commitment to Pacific County but also would provide expanded commercial offerings to the community,” Connect Community Bank CEO B. Nichoel Casey said. “Oregon Coast Bank’s community focused approach and its track record of supporting coastal economies make it the right fit for our customers, employees, and the legacy we’ve built over more than a century.”
Oregon Coast Bank was established in 2002 to serve the unique banking needs of coastal businesses and families and remains committed to its founding principles as an independent community
bank, according to the release.
The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval. Customers of both Oregon Coast Bank and Connect Community Bank should not experience any disruption in banking services, the release states.
PROMOTIONS
OCB has announced the promotion of Patti Eisler to Vice President Human Resources Manager.
Eisler’s banking career began as a teller and grew steadily into branch management before finding a new calling in human resources. She joined OCB five years ago and has spent the past two and a half years on the HR team, most recently serving as AVP of Human Resources.
Her roots in branch
operations have proven to be an asset in her HR work, giving her a ground-level understanding of the bank’s people, culture, and day-to-day needs.
“Having spent the majority of my banking career in branch management, transitioning into Human Resources felt like a natural evolution,” she said.
In her new role, Eisler will take on broader strategic responsibilities, supporting employees, strengthening organizational development, and ensuring HR initiatives continue to align with the bank’s larger goals. It’s work that fits naturally with who she is, according to the releaser.
A long-time Newport resident, Eisler grew up watching her father work as a commercial fisherman and her mother serve in healthcare, and she said those early lessons in community service have stayed with
her.
“Our customers are never just numbers. They know us, and we know them. That personal connection, rooted in genuine care, is what makes OCB special,” she said.
SECOND PROMOTION
OCB also announced the promotion of Sarah Jincks to Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President at its Newport location.
A seventh-generation Oregonian and long-time Newport resident, Jincks joined OCB in 2018 after eight years managing boutique coastal inns.
In 2025, she became one of the Bank’s firstever assistant branch managers. As branch manager, Jincks takes on expanded responsibilities including employee management, building operations, community donations coordination, and an introduction to the loan process. Her background
managing hotel staff, schedules, and day-today operations gave her an early foundation in leadership, one she has built on steadily at every stage of her OCB career, the release states. For Jincks, the role is about more than operations. She said she is excited to begin speaking to local students through a nonprofit. Jincks looks forward to helping young people understand banking and financial basics. When she’s not at the branch, she’s on the sidelines cheering on her son through football, basketball, and baseball seasons. These experiences, she said, remind her why community and connection matter so much. It’s that same spirit she plans to bring to the branch every day, deepening relationships and ensuring OCB remains a welcoming, familiar place for everyone who walks through the door, according to the release.
The iridescent green bugs are particularly harmful to the
economies of the Willamette Valley,
A Japanese beetle feeds on a willow branch. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has monitored and largely controlled the invasive bugs for the last decade, but a funding lapse caused some farmer’s alarm. (Courtesy photo from Oregon State University)
AOCC members gathered for the quarterly meeting at Starfire Lumber in Cottage Grove.
(Courtesy photo)
SUBMITTED
The Newport Recreation Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary April 7-12 with a week of special events, community activities, and exclusive member savings.
The milestone celebration invites members, visitors, and the entire community to reconnect, reflect on the programs that have helped shape Newport over the past 25 years, and look ahead with excitement and anticipation to the next quarter century.
The week-long anniversary celebration will feature reduced drop-in fees of $2 50 for all ages, community challenges in sports, fitness, and aquatics, patron story videos
The Newport Public Library is pleased to welcome Gary Hayes, author of “Historic Tales of the Oregon Coast: From Shipwrecks to Scenic Destinations” from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 11 in the McEntee Meeting Room of the Newport Public Library, 35 NW Nye St., Newport.
Once an unknown spot on the world map, the Oregon Coast has been the site of both inspiration and tragedy
Calling all creative youth!
OREGON COAST COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS
An exciting summer awaits at Newport’s Performing and Visual Arts Centers. Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for Summer 2026 Performing and Visual Arts day camps. Students entering grades K-12 (in the fall of 2026) are invited to take part in an exciting, creative summer filled with learning, laughter, friends, and fun. Shakespeare Camp, led by Milo Graamans, will take place June 15-26, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Newport Performing Arts Center. In this unique offering for youth entering grades 6-12, students will learn about William Shakespeare, hone their acting skills, and perform in the Bard’s romantic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” –featuring mistaken identities, rapid-fire banter, and hilarious blunders.
OCCA’s Creative Arts Camp for kids returns to Newport Visual Arts Center in July, led by Crystal Akins Meneses. Youth entering K-2 can participate July 13-17, from 10 a.m.-1
See CAMPS, page B2
This is a photo from the 2025 Pancakes with a Cop event. (Courtesy photo)
Kelp at water surface. (Courtesy from Dr. Sara Hamilton)
The Newport Recreation and Aquatic Center is located at 225 SE Avery Street in Newport. (Courtesy photo)
Gary Hayes
Gary Hayes is the author of Historic Tales of the Oregon Coast: From Shipwrecks to Scenic Destinations. (Courtesy photos)
Creative Arts Camp. (Courtesy photos)
Rocka and Roll Camp.
Camp Hamlet.
Theater Camp.
Distracted Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Distracted driving is any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. Cell phone use including texting, talking on the phone, or using social media are some of the activities that
CAMPS
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p.m, to explore a variety of creative arts. Activities may include music, singing, painting, drawing, sculpture, and a variety of other visual-art making.
Theatre Camp returns July 20 –31 9 a.m3:30 p.m, at Newport
KELP
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are shaping the future of life along our coasts. Wednesday, April 8, 6-7:30 p.m. Kelp
Restoration: A Blueprint for a Healthy Ocean with Dr. Sara Hamilton. Dr. Hamilton will tell the story of the Oregon Kelp Alliance (ORKA), starting with its origin in 2020. She will discuss the 2024 Kelp Forest Status Report, which for
HAYES
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are the most dangerous. This is because cell phone use takes your visual, manual, cognitive, and auditory attention away from driving.
While cell phones are some of the most dangerous distractions, other activities such as eating, talking with passengers, grooming, and reading can be dangerous and deadly.
According to the NHTSA, 3,522 people were killed by distracted driving in 2021. You can learn more about the dangers of distracted driving by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety
Performing Arts Center. Led by Jennifer Hamilton, youth entering grades 3-11 are invited to take part in this performing arts experience, where they’ll mount full productions, make new friends, learn about the Happy Box, enjoy camp dress-up days, and earn prizes from the camp treasure chest. Students will be cast in
the first time documented the changes taking place in Oregon’s kelp forests over the past 15 years. Learn about the ongoing Oregon Kelp Forest Stewardship Initiative and how ORKA is working to restore and preserve these vibrant ecosystems. Sara will close with a few thoughts about the future of kelp forest stewardship here in Oregon, followed by audience Q & A. Dr. Sara Hamilton is Science Coordinator for the Oregon Kelp Alliance
over the course of its history. A driving force of America’s Western migration, the rise of logging and fishing industries that sustained new settlers also contributed to the devastating decline of Native people and their way of life.
REC From Page B1
shared on social media, and raffle prize drawings throughout the week.
The industrial age brought steamboats, railroads, and roads for automobiles to the area and, along with them, a blossoming tourism industry. Preservation efforts rose to the forefront as visitors and locals sought to save the unique facets
A heart activity station will be set up in the lobby beginning March 30 and will remain available through April 11, inviting guests to share what they love about the Recreation Center - memories, favorite staff, and personal milestones. Tea and coffee will be available in the lobby on April 9, the day of the anniversary.
Schedule of Anniversary Events: Tuesday, April 7 - Sports and Fitness Activity Challenges for raffle prize entries. Wednesday, April 8 Aquatics Activity
one of three shows based on age. The youngest group (“Act One Players”) will perform Disney’s The Aristocats-Kids, the middle group (“Take Two Players”) will perform Disney’s High School Musical-Jr, and the older group (“Prime Time Players”) will perform Don Zolidis’s Return of the Script.
(ORKA), where she has worked since 2022. She came to ORKA after receiving her Ph.D. studying kelp forest ecology and conservation at Oregon State University. She was also a postdoctoral researcher at the University of CaliforniaDavis, researching patterns of hypoxia and acidification across the California Current and the implications of these patterns for shellfish. At ORKA, she led the writing of the 2024 Kelp
of the coast for future generations.
Join author Gary Hayes at Newport Public Library as he explores the maritime heritage of one of the most spectacular places on earth, the Oregon Coast. In his presentation The Most Pivotal Moments in Oregon Coast History, Hayes will discuss some
Challenges for raffle prize entries.
Thursday, April
9 Free Drop-In Day, anniversary raffle drawing, complimentary tea and coffee, and a photo booth in the lobby. Guests are encouraged to snap a photo and share it on social media using #PlayConnectThrive25!
Flash Sale - April 9
Only:
As part of the anniversary festivities, the Newport Recreation Center will hold a one-day flash sale on Thursday, April 9
Members and community visitors will have the
Administration’s “April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month” webpage.
Use these tips to help keep your car distraction free:
• Don’t call or text while driving. Instead, pull over in a safe place to read and send texts or make a phone call.
• Establish a “co-pilot” passenger to manage your cell phone, GPS, and other distractions.
• Look up your destination ahead of time and become familiar with the
And brand new this summer, students entering grades 6-12 are invited to participate in Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp, happening August 10-21 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Led by Ethan Bear, along with Jaime Lee Hart and Eric Hart, the camp will see students form real bands with fellow musicians, write original songs, learn music
Forest Status Report and is helping to implement the NOAA-funded Oregon Kelp Forest Stewardship Initiative. She lives in Eugene, Oregon, on the occupied lands of the Kalapuya peoples, whose descendants are often enrolled in the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. After her day job, Sara goes to her night job, where she works full time
of the global, national and regional events, along with technological advances that had significant impact on the course of Oregon Coast history. About the Author Gary Hayes is a native Oregonian with lifelong connections to the Oregon Coast. Gary founded the publishing company
opportunity to purchase discounted 10-punch facility passes and 10-punch class passes with a 10% discount. This is a limited-time offer available only on April 9 so the Recreation Center encourages guests to take advantage of this deal and plan ahead for continued access to classes and facility amenities.
Raffle:
Throughout the anniversary week, guests can participate in sports, fitness, and aquatics challenges to earn raffle prize entries. The raffle drawing will take place on April 9. Raffle prizes include
area. This will help prevent the need to look at GPS while driving.
• Enjoy your meal at home, in the restaurant, or while parked safely. Eating while driving increases your risk of traffic collisions and the likelihood of choking.
• Keep pets crated or otherwise secured for safety. This will help keep your furry friend safer in the event of a crash and prevents them from crawling onto your lap or other distracting activities.
• Recruit the whole
theory (that actually makes sense!), hone teamwork and stage presence, play loud, play proud, and embody the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
family for distraction-free driving. Teach your children the importance of keeping your attention on the road even before they can drive.
• If your children need help, pull over to help address their needs instead of reaching to the backseat while driving.
• Encourage friends and family to drive distraction-free. By speaking up, you may save their life and others on the road. For more information and tips visit www.lincolncountysheriff.net
Tuition for these camps ranges from $200 to $575, and scholarships may be available (if funds are a barrier to learning, parents/ guardians are encouraged to apply for financial assistance). To learn more about any of these camps or to register, visit www.coastarts. org/camps Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization developing, promoting, and celebrating community arts on the Oregon Coast. Learn more at www. coastarts.org
adoring her rescue dog, D. B. Cooper. This webinar is free, but pre-registration is required. Register online now at sevencapes.org/ restoringourkelpforests. This session is one of a three-part series. Learn more about this series and register for all three sessions at sevencapes. org/restoringourkelpforests. Restoring Our Kelp Forests is brought to you by Seven Capes Bird Alliance in partnership with Friends of Otter
Rock, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, Elakha Alliance, and Oregon Kelp Alliance. Seven Capes Bird Alliance was founded as Audubon Society of Lincoln City in 2005. A nonprofit membership organization and chapter of the National Audubon Society, Seven Capes is active in education and advocacy for protection of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties.
Explorer Media Group, where he published Coast Explorer Magazine for more than twenty years, featuring his writing and photography. His extensive knowledge of the Oregon Coast led him to being named the Oregon Coast expert for the state’s tourism organization, Travel Oregon. Hayes currently lives in Cannon Beach, Oregon, with the other loves of his life, his wife, Anna, and dog, Gracie. This program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit newportlibrary. org or contact Newport Public Library at 541-265-2153
10-punch passes to the Recreation Center.
Share Your Story
In the weeks leading up to the celebration, the Newport Recreation Center has been collecting patron stories and videos to be shared on Facebook April 6–10
Community members are invited to reflect on their time at the Rec Center
- how it has impacted their health, their families, and their memories over the past 25 years.
Follow along and share your own story using #PlayConnectThrive25
“The Newport Recreation Center has always been more than a place to work out - it’s a welcoming space for everyone in our community, regardless of age, ability, or background,” Newport Parks and Recreation Director Mike Cavanaugh said. “We’re proud of the impact we’ve had over the past 25 years and look forward to serving Newport for many more to come.”
All anniversary events are open to members and the general public. For more information, call the Newport Recreation Center at 541265-7783 or follow us on Facebook.
Some stories don’t end at “Happily Ever After”
The best ones are just getting started
SUBMITTED
Into the Woods — the beloved, Tony Awardwinning Broadway musical sensation — opens April 10 at the Newport Performing Arts Center, and we think it’s going to be something truly special.
With breathtaking music, extraordinary performances, and a story that will stay with you long after the curtain falls, this is an evening of live theatre you won’t want to miss.
Stephen Sondheim’s masterwork has captivated audiences for decades, and we are so proud to bring it to our stage this spring.
We’d love for you to be a part of it
Sponsored in part by The Louie Boutique Motel, Allred Bites+Bar, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, and Mo’s Seafood & Chowder.
Part fairy tale, part fever dream, part achingly human drama, Into the Woods weaves together
the stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and more — only to plunge them all into a second act where consequences are real, giants walk the earth, and happily-ever-after is far more complicated than any storybook promises. Winner of multiple Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Book, the show has enchanted and unsettled audiences for nearly four decades.
Directed and choreographed by Darcy Lawrence — whose previous Red Octopus productions include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Full Monty, Taming of the Shrew, Lend Me a Tenor, and more — this production features a powerhouse ensemble of Oregon coast talent. Vocal direction is helmed by Katrina Theodore, with the orchestra conducted by Terry Voss. The cast features some of the coast’s most sought-after talent. Celebrated powerhouse
vocalists Marc Montminy and Megan Walters take on the Baker and his Wife – the yearning heart of the story; gifted soprano
Kate Miller portrays Cinderella; Cody Larsen is the sweetly unassuming Jack; teen tour de force Lucy Furuheim gives us a sharp and feisty Little Red Riding Hood; and dynamic recording artist Courtney Kittel is the mesmerizing Witch.
Jim Erickson pulls double-duty as both the sinister Wolf and dashing Prince Charming; Alicia Wood soars as Rapunzel; and Pete Theodore acts both as Narrator and Mysterious Man.
The production also features Brett Belleque (Cinderella’s Father), Barbara Berge (Granny), Clara Bird (Jack’s Mother), Holly Brown (Puppeteer / Sleeping
Beauty), Michael Golden (Steward), Jennifer Hamilton (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Jamie Lee Hart (Florinda), Joshua Lawrence (Rapunzel’s Prince), Annie Pusey (Cinderella’s Mother), Peighton Riley (Puppeteer / Snow White), Caity Showalter (Lucinda), and Rebeccah Sorensen voicing the Giant. Behind the magic is a formidable creative team. Milo Graamans is Assistant Music Director and Rehearsal Pianist.
Brian Robrecht is Stage Manager, assisted by April Lemaster. Set design is by Gary Herd, costumes by Jeri Harris, props by Jason Holland, lighting by Ron Miller, and sound by Chris Lewis.
Immerse yourself in a spellbinding musical filled with rich storytelling and masterful music as you journey into the enchanted world of magic beans, moonlit nights towering giants, handsome princes, hopeful princesses, wicked witches, wolves, and wishes!
Tickets – which range from $20-$28 with
discounts for seniors, students, and OCCA members – can be purchased at the Newport Performing Arts Center box office (777 W Olive Street), by phone (541-265-ARTS), or online (surcharge). More information can be found at coastarts.org/ events/woods Patrons are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before the curtain, as actors use the aisles, and late seating may or may not be available (at the discretion of the house manager). To help ensure an enjoyable performance for audiences and actors, please attend fragrance-free in support of those with allergies and sensitivities.
CONTENT
ADVISORY: This musical depicts predation, death, mild innuendo, and a few frightening moments that may be upsetting to sensitive audience members. We estimate this production is suitable for mature elementary students – who are ready for a darker view of fairy tales – and above.
Explore Lincoln City redefining the beach experience
Lincoln City leads with accessibility
EXPLORE LINCOLN CITY
Lincoln County Leader Guest Column
Explore Lincoln City, in partnership with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association, is working to make the coast more accessible and to help visitors explore without limits through projects such as the Oregon coast’s first fully accessible playground, expanded Mobimat pathways, KultureCity installations, and accessible viewpoints. At the 2026 Oregon Governor’s Conference on Tourism, the prestigious Governor’s Award recognized Oregon Coast Travelability, a coastwide partnership focused on making the Oregon Coast more inclusive and accessible for residents, workers, and visitors of all abilities.
Explore Lincoln City has played an active role in this initiative, collaborating with fellow coastal communities to expand access and create a more welcoming destination. Collectively, the Oregon Coast Travelability group has secured more than $1 3 million in Travel Oregon grant funding to support accessibility improvements along the coast. In Lincoln City, that support has led to tangible results: Explore Lincoln City received funding from Travel Oregon for accessibility verifications through Wheel the World, an online platform that empowers travelers with disabilities to plan with confidence. At the same time, Lincoln City Parks and Recreation has obtained additional grants to help develop the Oregon Coast’s first inclusive playground at Schooner Creek Discovery Park. These enhancements continue to make a meaningful difference for both locals and visitors. Lincoln City has also been an early adopter of the Beach Wheelchair Program, providing complimentary beach
Lincoln City’s seven miles of coastline are now even more accessible. Installed from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Lincoln City’s Mobi-mats are portable, non-slip and roll-up, increasing beach access by creating temporary pathways.
(Courtesy photo)
wheelchairs on a firstcome, first-served basis to help more people enjoy the coast.
“We’re incredibly grateful to partner with the Oregon Coast Visitors Association’s Travelability Group and to be recognized with the Governor’s Award from Travel Oregon,”Explore Lincoln City Director Kim Findling Cooper said. “Our goal is to make the Oregon Coast a more accessible place to live, work, and visit for
people with disabilities. By investing in accessibility, we create a more welcoming experience for visitors, improve residents’ quality of life, and support the local economy. This award also highlights the power of collaboration, with partners across the coast working together to make meaningful, lasting improvements.”
Accessibility work continues in Lincoln City as phases two and three of Schooner Creek Discovery Park come to life, with
even more state-of-the-art accessibility features from the Lincoln City Parks and Recreation team, including Hearing Loops to assist those with hearing loss.
Explore Lincoln City has also introduced KultureCity sensory bags and is partnering with the Driftwood Public Library to provide quiet spaces and sensory resources to individuals with sensory sensitivities. Soon, Explore Lincoln City
will break ground on its Welcome Center at D River, which will include additional Hearing Loops, beach wheelchairs, and EnChroma Glasses for those with colorblindness.
And of course, Mobi-mats.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, 900 feet of ADA-compliant Mobi-mats — portable, non-slip pathways made from recycled polyester — make three main beach access points more
welcoming. Accessible viewpoints include the Roads End State Recreation Site and the Siletz Bay pier, both of which are suitable for visitors with limited mobility. To learn more about Lincoln City’s accessible locations and offerings, or to start planning your visit, go to www.explorelincolncity.com. Follow along @lincolncityor for inspiration, or begin planning a visit at explorelincolncity.com.
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4/1/26 4/8/26
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HOMES FOR SALE
ADVANTAGE REAL ESTATE
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DOLPHIN REAL ESTATE, LLC Licensed in the State of Oregon RBN200906015 425 E Olive St Newport, OR 97365 (800) 365-6638 (541) 265-6638 WEBSITE: www.drellc.us RENTAL & SALES Residential, Commercial & Multi Family Office Hours: Open by appointment only. Available via phone and email Monday-Friday 10AM to 4PM. loren@drellc.us Closed weekends Equal
cityrecorder@newportoregon. gov. The e-mail must be received by noon on the scheduled date of the meeting. Written comments received by noon on a City Council meeting date will be included in the agenda packet. These comments will be acknowledged at the appropriate time by the Budget Officer or Budget Committee Chair. The purpose of the first meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comments from the public on the budget and the City’s use of state revenue sharing funds. A public hearing on the use of state revenue sharing funds will be held at these meetings. At these public meetings, the Budget Committee will deliberate on the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year Budget. Notice of meetings and agenda items may be viewed on the City of Newport’s website at www.newportoregon. gov. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after April 23, 2026, at the City of Newport, Finance Department, 169 SW Coast Highway, Newport, Oregon, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Nina Vetter, Budget Officer. 4/1/26 LCL26-139 PURSUANT TO ORS CHAPTER 819. Notice is hereby given that the following vehicle will be sold, for cash to the highest bidder, on 4/13/2026. The sale will be held at 10:00am by ROWLEY’S TOWING 4822 S COAST HWY S. BEACH, OR. 2020 TOYT HIG UT VIN = 5TDGZRBH5LS503908. Amount due on lien $5343.00. Reputed owner(s) > KEVIN LYLE WAGONER WELLS FARGO AUTO 4/1/26 4/8/26
LCL26-138 PURSUANT TO ORS CHAPTER 819
Notice is hereby given that the following vehicle will be sold, for cash to the highest bidder, on 4/13/2026. The sale will be held at 10:00am by ROWLEY’S TOWING 4822 S COAST HWY S. BEACH, OR. 2009 JEEP WRA 4D VIN = 1J4GA39109L734006. Amount due on lien $5313.00. Reputed owner(s) TIMOTHY WALLACE SCHMELZER
LCL26-136 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE LOAN NO: 0682559778 T.S. NO.: 25-16661 Reference is made to that certain deed made by, Ar- chie Klement, an unmarried man as Grantor to West- ern Title & Escrow, as trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), AS BENEFICIARY, AS NOMINEE FOR HOMEBOUND MORTGAGE, INC. ITS SUCCES- SORS AND ASSIGNS, as Beneficiary, dated 2/5/2003, recorded 2/6/2003, in official records of Lincoln County, Oregon as Instrument No. 200302034 (indicated which), covering the following described real property situated in said County and State, to-wit: APN: R313719 Lot 7, Block 10, BRAEMAR, in the City of Lincoln City, County of Lincoln, State of Oregon. Property Commonly known as: 2724 NW LEE AVE, LINCOLN CITY, OREGON 97367 Both the beneficia- ry and the trustee have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said trust deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes: the de- fault for which the foreclosure is made is the grantor’s: The installment of principal and interest and escrow amounts, if applicable, which became due on 6/1/2025, and all subsequent installments of principal and inter- est and escrow amounts through the date of this Notice, plus amounts that are due for late charges, delinquent property taxes, insurance premium, advances made on senior liens, taxes and/or insurance, trustee’s fees, and any attorney fees and court costs arising from or associated with the beneficiaries efforts to protect the
OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN PROBATE DEPARTMENT ESTATE OF PHIL R HAWKINS, DECEASED, CASE NO. 25PB07971. NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS. Notice is given pursuant to ORS 113.155 that Peter Jens
has
representative of the above
claims against the estate are required to
(4) months after the date of publication of this Notice, or their claims may be barred. Claims are to be presented at the address of the attorney for the personal representative, set forth below. All persons whose rights may be affected by this estate proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Circuit Court, the personal representative, or J.F. Ouderkirk, attorney for the personal representative. Date of publication: April 1, 2026. J.F.Ouderkirk, OSB # 752903, Attorney for the Personal Representative, 541574-1630, P. O. Box 1167, 615 SW Hurbert Street, Suite A, Newport, OR 97365, Peter Jens Berger, Personal Representative 4/1/26 LCL26-141 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN PROBATE DEPARTMENT. CASE NO. 26PB02282. NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS. In the Matter of the Estate of Geraldine Rae Moore, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kimberly R. Hirbeck has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to the undersigned attorney for the personal representative at 358 NW 1st Avenue, PO Box 729, Canby, Oregon 97013, within four months from the date of publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Date of publication April 1, 2026. Kimberly R. Hirbeck Personal Representative. Loren P. Bell, OSB# 932105, Loren P. Bell, P.C. Attorney for the Personal Representative 358 NW 1st Avenue, PO Box 729, Canby, OR 97013, 503-266-5050, Fax: 503-2665056, Email: loren@canbylawfirm. com 4/1/26 LCL26-140 ESTATE OF CLAYTON R. DAINES, CASE NO. 26PB02217. In the Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Lincoln. In the matter of the Estate of Clayton R. Daines, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that Richard T. Daines has been appointed as the personal
KC Kasey, STATE FORESTER 3/25/26 4/1/26 LCL26-131 PURSUANT TO ORS CHAPTER 98B Notice is hereby given that the following vehicle will be sold, for cash to the highest bidder, on 4/6/2026. The sale will be held at 10:00am by P R DIESEL SERVICES 5678 SALMON RIVER HWY OTIS, OR. 1999 FORD F25 4C VIN = 1FTNX21F8XEA21482. Amount due on lien $6105.47. Reputed owner(s) > GEORGE 111 & HOLLY C. KRAUS 3/25/26 4/1/26
LCL26-132 PURSUANT TO ORS CHAPTER 819 Notice is hereby given that the following vehicle will be sold, for cash to the highest bidder, on 4/6/2026. The sale will be held at 10:00am by ROWLEY’S TOWING 4822 S COAST HWY S. BEACH, OR. 2004 CHEV AVA PU VIN = 3GNEC12T44G344367. Amount due on lien $5196.00. Reputed owner(s) > LYNDA SUSAN RICHARDSON CARMAX BUSINESS SERVICES LLC 3/25/26 4/1/26
LCL26-134 ON APRIL 28TH 2026 AT 11 AM A public sale will be held at Ideal Storage 235 Dahl Ave Waldport, OR. 97394: Matthew Cunningham-WC001. Minimum bid $50.00, cash only. On April 30th 2026 at 2:00 PM, a public sale will be held at Ideal Storage. 5441 HWY 20. Toledo, OR. 97391: Julie Garner-T0511, Jeff Heiken-T038. Minimum bid $50.00, cash only. 3/25/26 4/1/26
LCL26-125 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE #26-0217. On April 21, 2026, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., at the Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 W Olive St, Room 203, in the City of Newport, Oregon, the defendant’s interest will be sold, subject to redemption, in the real property commonly known as: 1033 and 1025 NE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365. The court case number is 25CV32118, NATIONAL COOPERATIVE BANK, N.A., plaintiff(s) vs. TAYLOR PLESHA; ELLI K WORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; OCCUPANTS OF THE PROPERTY, defendant(s). This is a public auction to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check, in hand. For more details go to http://www.oregonsheriffssales.org/county/lincoln/ 3/18/26 3/25/26 4/1/26 4/8/26 LCL26-122 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE. The Trustee under the terms of the Trust Deed described herein, at the direction of the Beneficiary, hereby elects to sell the property described in the Trust Deed to satisfy the obligations secured thereby. Pursuant to ORS 86.771, the following information is provided: 1. PARTIES: Grantor: JEREMY J. BACCI; Trustee: BRAD WILLIAMS C/O UPF WASHINGTON INCORPORATED; Successor Trustee: NANCY K. CARY; Beneficiary: COLUMBIA BANK FKA UMPQUA BANK. 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: The real property is described as follows: Beginning at a point 856.5 feet North of the center of Section 17, in Township 11 South, Range 10 West, Willamette Meridian, in Lincoln County, Oregon; thence North 216 feet; thence East 418 feet; thence in a Southeasterly direction along Olalla Slough to a point that is 586 feet East of the place of beginning; thence West to the said point and place of beginning. Except that portion lying Easterly of the West line of that certain tract of land described in deed to Lincoln County for road purposes recorded January 16, 1940, in Book 83, page 320, Deed Records. 3. RECORDING. The Trust Deed was recorded as follows: Date Recorded: November 30, 2021, Recording No. 2021-14989, Official Records of Lincoln County, Oregon. NOTE 1: 4. DEFAULT. The Grantor or any other person obligated on the Trust Deed and
or liens, plus interest. 5. AMOUNT DUE. The amount due on the Note which is secured by the Trust Deed referred to herein is: Principal balance in the amount of $188,835.40; plus interest at 3.500% per annum from December 10, 2024; plus late charges of $1,724.47; plus advances and foreclosure attorney fees and costs. NOTE 2: 6. DEFAULT. The Grantor or any other person obligated on the Trust Deed and Promissory Note secured thereby is in default and the Beneficiary seeks to foreclose the Trust Deed for failure to pay: Monthly payments in the amount of $145.58 each, due the tenth (10) of each month, for the months of February 2025 through November 2025; plus late charges and advances; plus any unpaid real property taxes or liens, plus interest. 7. AMOUNT DUE. The amount due on the Note which is secured by the Trust Deed referred to herein is: Principal balance in the amount of $9,731.10; plus interest at 3.500% per annum from January 10, 2025; plus late charges of $103.60; plus advances and foreclosure attorney fees and costs. 8. SALE OF PROPERTY. The Trustee hereby states that the property will be sold to satisfy the obligations secured by the Trust Deed. A Trustee’s Notice of Default and Election to Sell Under Terms of Trust Deed has been recorded in the Official Records of Lincoln County, Oregon. 9. TIME OF SALE. Date: May 21, 2026, Time: 11:00 a.m. Place: Lincoln County Courthouse, Main Entrance (parking lot side) 225 W. Olive, Newport, Oregon 97365. 10. RIGHT TO REINSTATE. Any person named in ORS 86.778 has the right, at any time that is not later than five days before the Trustee conducts the sale, to have this foreclosure dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due, other than such portion of the
principal as would not then be due had no default occurred, by curing any other default that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed and by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and Trust Deed, together with the trustee’s and attorney’s fees not exceeding the amount provided in ORS 86.778. NOTICE REGARDING POTENTIAL HAZARDS (This notice is required for notices of sale sent on or after January 1, 2015.). Without limiting the trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the trustee’s sale. You may reach the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at 503-684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 800-452-7636 or you may visit its website at: www.osbar.org. Legal assistance may be available if you have a low income and meet federal poverty guidelines. For more information and a directory of legal aid programs, go to http://www.oregonlawhelp. org. Any questions regarding this matter should be directed to Lisa Summers, Paralegal, (541) 6860344 (TS #30057.31859). DATED: December 31, 2025. Nancy K. Cary, Successor Trustee, Hershner Hunter, LLP, P.O. Box 1475, Eugene, OR 97440. 3/18/26 3/25/26 4/1/26 4/8/26 LCL26-118 TS NO. OR0700010325-1 APN R319153 TO NO 92363192 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, JENNIFER L. KANDU AND PETER W LAWSON, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY as Grantor to WESTERN TITLE & ESCROW COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of June 23, 2021 and recorded on June 24, 2021 as Instrument No. 202108164 and the beneficial interest was assigned to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC and recorded June 26, 2025 as Instrument Number 2025-04215 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Lincoln County, Oregon to-wit: APN: R319153 LOTS 3, 4 AND THE EAST 15 FEET OF LOT 2, BLOCK 7, BEACH PARK ADDITION, IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT, COUNTY OF LINCOLN AND STATE OF OREGON.TOGETHER WITH THAT PORTION OF VACATED N.W. 18TH STREET ADJOINING THAT WOULD ATTACH THERETO BY ORDINANCE NO. 1616, RECORDED AUGUST 26, 1991, IN BOOK 233, PAGE 1626, LINCOLN COUNTY RECORDS.EXCEPTING THEREFROM THAT PORTION LYING WITHIN OCEAN VIEW DRIVE. Commonly known as: 1725 NW OCEANVIEW DR, NEWPORT, OR 97365 Both the Beneficiary, Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Total Payment(s): Total Payment(s) from 08/01/2024 to 02/15/2026 at $47,256.65 Total Late Charge(s): Total Late Charge(s) at $434.91 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $339,644.21 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.12500% per annum from July 1, 2024 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on June 23, 2026 at the hour of 01:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, Public Entrance, Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 West Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365 County of Lincoln, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Effective March 1, 2026,
new federal regulations (89 Fed. Reg. 70.258) will impact residential real property (1-4 residential units) title transfers to covered entities trusts, with reporting requirements unless exempt. https:// www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/08/29/2024-19198/ anti-money-laundering-regulations-for-residential-real-estate-transfers Dated: 02/05/2026 By: Nathan F. Smith, OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 NPP0485198 To: LINCOLN COUNTY LEADER 03/18/2026, 03/25/2026, 04/01/2026, 04/08/2026 LCL26-103 NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE #26-0196. On April 16, 2026, at the hour of 10:00 a.m., at the Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 W Olive St, Room 203, in the City of Newport, Oregon, the defendants’ interest in the real property commonly known as 589 NW Sunset Blvd, Toledo, OR 97391 will be sold, subject to redemption. The court case number is 25CV36526, PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, plaintiff vs. Douglas Nyberg; Joanna M. Stephens; United States of America, Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”); Capital One, N.A.; Parties in Possession, defendants. This is a public auction to the highest bidder for cash or cashier’s check, in hand. For more details go to: www.oregonsheriffssales.org/county/lincoln 3/11/26, 3/18/26, 3/25/26, 4/1/26 LCL26-112 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE. The Trustee under the terms of the Trust Deed described herein, at the direction of the Beneficiary, hereby elects to sell the property described in the Trust Deed to satisfy the obligations secured thereby. Pursuant to ORS 86.771, the following information is provided: 1. PARTIES: Grantor: GEORGE M. SISIKIN. Trustee: WESTERN
TITLE COMPANY. Successor Trustee: NANCY K. CARY. Beneficiary: COLUMBIA BANK FKA UMPQUA BANK. 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: The real property is described as follows: Lot 4, Block 3, TOWNSHIP ‘13’, A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT in Section 19, Township 13 South, Range 11
Young Tigers hungry for success
WILL LOHRE
Lincoln County Leader
Last year, a senior-heavy Taft baseball team went deep into the state playoffs, barely losing to Blanchet Catholic in a 2-1 semifinal defeat. And while many programs wouldn’t be able to withstand the loss of 10 seniors and maintain the same level, the Tigers have been knocking it out of the park to start this spring.
Through the first five games, Taft was undefeated despite just three seniors in the program. Head Coach Dustin Hankins has been thrilled with the team’s play so far, and the young guns who have stepped into new roles are picking up right where last year’s squad left off.
“We are young, but it’s been great. We lost some really good players, but we have a core group of guys who have been waiting for their opportunity, and they have really stepped up,” Hankins said. “They have great attitudes and have bought into what we are trying to accomplish.”
Taft opened the season
against Sisters on Mar. 17 beating the Outlaws 2-1 to get the new campaign started with a win. Reigning 3A AllState Pitcher of the Year Zack Hankins showed the elite capability that has secured him a spot at the University of Oregon next year. The senior captain faced 13 batters in four innings against Sisters, striking out 12 of them. As one of Taft’s two senior players, he has been a standard-bearer for the Tigers this season.
“Zack has been awesome. He sets the tone every day with his work ethic and how he treats his teammates,” Dustin Hankins said. “He is a great leader, and the boys really look up to him.”
After the pitchers stole the show against Sisters, the batter’s box exploded in their next game. Facing off with Pleasant Hill on Mar. 20, Taft’s offense erupted for 11 hits, scoring 12 runs while surrendering just two. Seven of those runs were scored in the second inning alone.
It was an encouraging offensive performance, but for Hankins, the early success has been about the hard work the
team has been doing in the outfield and on the mound.
“Pitching and defense [have been the key]. We have pitched well and played clean baseball. We still have some work to do at the plate, but we are getting there,” Hankins said.
After two games, Hankins has been impressed with the level of play from his underclassmen. The 12-2 win against Pleasant Hill saw shimmering performances from sophomores Hunter Hanson, Levi Lillebo, and Callen Ward. Each of the 10th-grade athletes recorded two hits, driving in five runs between them. With plenty of players taking on new responsibilities, there was potential for some drop off, but the players are rising to the occasion.
“Callen Ward and Lonnie West have been huge for us. Hayden Weiss and James Tolan, both of whom are freshmen, have really taken big steps forward,” Hankins said.
After back-to-back nonleague wins to get up to speed this season, Taft welcomed the competition to The Pit for
the annual Battle of the Beach tournament, Mar. 26-28
Playing on home turf in Lincoln City, the Tigers went undefeated, taking all three games.
The first victory was a dominant 16-0 drubbing of Central Linn. Hayden Weiss pitched four of the five innings, striking out 11 of the 15 batters he faced. Offensively, it was a balanced showing for the Tigers. The Tigers scored their 16 runs on seven hits, including doubles from Zack Hankins and Hunter Hanson.
Next up, Taft took down Grant Union/Prairie City/ Monument/Dayville. It was 7-2 when the dust settled, with the Tigers controlling the contest for the entirety of the seven innings. Hankins was back on the mound for Taft, and he was lethal, striking out 13 batters and not giving up an earned run in his five innings pitched. Callen Ward had a fantastic day at the plate, with three hits in four at-bats, including a double, and notched two RBI.
The final of the Battle at the Beach pitted the Tigers against Burns/Crane. After
pitching the day before, Hankins showed that his game isn’t just about befuddling opposing batters. In the final, Zack Hankins had four hits in his four at-bats, including a double, and he scored both runs for Taft in their 2-0 win. Lonnie West sent him home both times, with two RBIs. West wasn’t just making plays at the plate, though; he pitched all seven innings for the Tigers, striking out 12 batters, and maintaining the shutout to seal the win.
The Tigers are going to be back in action against Newport on Apr. 1, and it is one of their final three non-league tune-up games before they play the first Special District 3 game of the season on Apr. 6 against Dayton.
When asked what his expectations for this season are, Hankins said the Tigers still have lofty aspirations.
“Win the league and make a deep run in the playoffs. We have the talent to do it, but it will take everyone buying in and playing their role,” Hankins said.
We’ll see if they can keep the good times rolling.
Newport Swim Team dives into regional competition
WILL LOHRE
Lincoln County Leader
Newport Swim Team sent swimmers to some of the biggest regional meets of the year, and though few team members made the journey, they competed with the best of them. At the OSI Arena Region XII Championships Meet in Beaverton on Mar. 19-22, NST competed among 37 programs from around the region, including swimmers travelling from as far as Alaska. The meet was set up as a prelims-finals meet, with the top 30 athletes advancing to finals in each event and age group.
Newport had nine athletes qualify for the event, but only four attended the meet. Despite only sending a fraction of their qualifiers, Newport placed 19th with 91 5 points. The men’s team scored 44 points, while the women’s team contributed 47 5 NST’s four swimmers were Clyde Bretz, Jahan Eibner, Hana Parker, and Gwynn Postlewait. Each of them helped Newport High School sweep the podium at the 4A state championships. NST Head Coach
Gavin Santiago said the four formed a mixed 200 yard medley relay with Eibner swimming the backstroke of the relay in 25 02, Postlewait swam the breaststroke leg with a 32 40, Parker finished the butterfly leg with a 28 90, and Bretz rounded out the freestyle leg with a 23 28 for final time of 1:49 83 breaking the team record of 1:50 99 set by the Hurtys (Ben and Claire), Laya Bretz (Clyde›s older sister) and Sam Postlewait (Gwynn›s older brother). It was a full circle moment that will live long in the Bretz and Postlewait households.
In addition to the relay, each swimmer competed in individual events.
Clyde Bretz (17M) swam the 50 freestyle, dropping 4 seconds and placing 51st in prelims. In the 100-yard backstroke, Bretz dropped nine seconds and placed 44th in prelims. Then, in the 200-yard freestyle, Bretz shaved three seconds from his previous official time, placing 31st in prelims, but swam again in finals, dropping another 1 5 seconds and taking 25th overall.
Hana Parker (16F) swam the 100 butterfly and improved by half a second, placing 30th in prelims and 27th in
finals. She also swam the 200-yard Individual Medley, taking 52nd in prelims. Parker placed 30th in prelims for the 50 butterfly, getting a 29 35 and dropping a second as well, setting a new PB (personal best) and beating her old record of 30 57
Jahan Eibner (16M) put together an incredible weekend, with plenty of records to show for his time in the pool. He swam the 100-yard butterfly, placing 13th in prelims with a .3 second improvement, and then took 20th in finals. In the 200-yard Individual Medley, he placed 8th in prelims and then 10th in finals, walking away with a half-second PB. Then he swam the 400 IM, tying for 7th place and dropping 8 seconds to a 4:17 66, breaking the 400 IM team record of 4:20 05. But he wasn’t done there. In the finals, Eibner broke the record again and placed 6th overall with another PB of 4:16 18. He also swam the 50-yard butterfly in prelims and took 12th. Then the 200-yard backstroke, he took 10th in prelims and dropped four seconds for a new personal record. Finally, Eibner continued his record-setting weekend, swimming in
the 100-yard freestyle, placing 11th and dropping 2 5 seconds for yet another PB.
Finally, Gwynn Postlewait (16F) started off the meet with the 200-yard breaststroke, taking 10th in prelims and finals, and walked away with a 5 4-second personal best. Next, in the 200-yard IM, she dropped 6 seconds and took 20th in prelims. Next up was her 50-yard freestyle, where she placed 33rd. In the 100-yard breaststroke, Postlewait shaved .36 seconds off her own record time. She took 15th at the meet and set a 1:08 85 PR, down from 1:09 21. In finals, she dropped another .02, breaking her own record yet again, and took 14th with 1:08 83. Her next race was the 50 yd breaststroke, where she placed 17th in prelims, taking .3 seconds off her time, and bringing the new team record to 31 96, besting her own team record of 32 21 Her last race of the meet was the 100-yard freestyle, where she placed 9th in prelims with a 2-second PB, and in finals she tied for 8th with 55 45
While Bretz, Postlewait, Eibner, and Parker were battling it
out at the Tualatin Hills Rec. Swim Center, the Newport Swim Team also sent a swimmer to compete at the 2026 NorthWest Region Age Group Championships. The meet was held at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Washington, from March 19 through March 22
The meet included teams from the Pacific Northwest, including teams from Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Hawaii, and more. At least 67 teams were present, and NST had one athlete qualify for the meet. With just one athlete, NST placed 42nd overall and 25th on the women’s side.
Coming off a fantastic showing at the 2025-26 OSI 11-14 Short Course Championships, Zoey Chappell was looking to make waves for at the regional level.
“She has also represented NST at [NorthWest Region Age Group Championships] wonderfully, and her coaches, parents, and teammates are both impressed and proud of her,” Santiago said. She qualified and swam the 500-yard freestyle, the 100-yard backstroke, the 50-yard backstroke, the 200-yard
IM, the 200-yard backstroke, and the 200-yard freestyle. For the 500 free, Chappell placed 4th overall, hitting the almost exact same time for her 2nd place finish at the 11-14 state championship. Up next was her 100 Backstroke, where she placed 5th in prelims and 4th in finals again, replicating her times from the state meet. Then the 50 backstroke,e where she placed 15th. Up next was the 200 IM, where she placed 11th and dropped one second. The 200 backstroke saw her take 2nd in prelims and drop one second from her personal best during 11-14 state, breaking her own record again. In finals, she placed 2nd, dropping two more seconds, getting a 2:12 74, and breaking her own record twice in one day. Safe to say she put together one of her best swimming displays yet. Lastly, she swam the 200-yard freestyle, dropping 3 seconds and placing 4th. In finals, she placed 6th. After a super busy March, Santiago was happy to have some time away for spring break, but he and the team got back to work on Mar. 30, ready to get the long course season underway.
The Tigers are relying on a promising crop of young talent this year. They’ll hope they can replicate last season’s success.
The Tigers took down Sisters 2-1 in the season opener on Mar. 17.
(Courtesy photos from Taft High 7-12 Athletics Facebook page)